Current Studies

RNA-seq and allele-specific expression (ASE) analysis. RNA-seq data provide a novel features for gene expression study, namely the allele-specific gene expression. We have developed statistical methods to study ASE using RNA-seq to detect gene expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL), and to dissect the genetic and parent of origin basis of ASE in mouse studies. We are currently studying statistical methods to dissect genetic and parent of origin basis of ASE in human studies, as well as ASE in tumor samples.

Intra-tumor heterogeneity. Intra-tumor heterogeneity refers to the fact that the tumor cells are not homogeneous, and they may form different subclones. We are integrating different types of omic data, including Somatic Copy Number Methylation (SCNA), somatic point mutations, DNA methylation and gene expression to study the intra-tumor heterogeneity. We will also develop new methods to integrating omic data from bulk tumor sample and single cells to infer intra-tumor heterogeneity.

Tumor microenvironment. Each tumor sample often includes both tumor and non-tumor cells, which include stromal cells, infiltrating immune cells, among other types of cells. We aim to dissect such cell type composition using omic data and to understand the interplay between tumor cells and other types of cells.

High dimensional graphical model. We have developed statistical methods to infer the skeleton of high dimensional Directed Acyclic Graphs (DAGs) using gene expression data. We are currently working on new methods that can estimate DAGs using both gene expression and eQTL information.

Follow Us

Fred Hutch is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and VEVRAA Employer. We are committed to cultivating a workplace in which diverse perspectives and experiences are welcomed and respected. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, political ideology, or membership in any other legally protected class. We are an Affirmative Action employer. We encourage individuals with diverse backgrounds to apply and desire priority referrals of protected veterans. Read the EEO is the Law poster here.